Benefits of medical cannabis
An ancient plant with centuries of medical use experience and patient reported outcomes showing improvements in quality of life
Cannabis has been used for millennia as a medicine to treat a wide variety of diseases. From ancient Greece to remote areas of China, people all over the world have used the plant in patient care. To date, over 600 compounds, including cannabinoids, amino acids, terpenes, proteins, sugars and flavonoids have been detected in the cannabis plant.
The cannabis plant
There are three varieties of the cannabis flowering plants: Sativa, Indica and Hybrid. Sativa and Indica are the two primary varieties used for medical cannabis.
The effects of cannabis
Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is crucial for regulating memory, sleep, appetite, mood, and pain. This system, part of the nervous system, has receptors (CB1 and CB2) affected by cannabis components like THC. These components bind to receptors, influencing the central nervous system and immune system’s functions. For instance, targeting CB1 receptors can alleviate pain, while CB2 receptor interaction may reduce inflammation. This interaction showcases cannabis’s potential in medical treatments, affecting physiological processes and health outcomes.
The Endocannabinoid System
Humans are born with an endocannabinoid system that serves an important function in both the development of the brain and the formation and development of synapses. Watch the animation to learn more about these processes in our body.
THC and CBD are of great therapeutic importance
The cannabis plant contains over 10 different phytocannabinoids, of which the most therapeutically relevant are the active ingredients Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Within the cannabis flowers, the cannabinoids THC and CBD are mainly present in the form of their acids, THCA and CBDA. It is only through decarboxylation, which is achieved by heating the plants, that the effective molecules THC and CBD are released. The endocannabinoid system is part of the nervous system and essentially includes the body’s cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, with their natural ligands, the endocannabinoids. THC and CBD bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors and can reduce the overactivity of neurotransmitters.
The Importance of Terpenes
Besides cannabinoids, the cannabis plant also contains terpenes. The terpene composition varies and is responsible for the taste and aroma of the plant. The main part of the volatile
terpenes is located in the resin of the female cannabis plant, which is produced in the flower hairs (trichomes). Terpenes are believed to have a medical effect of their own. Medical plant-based cannabis is known as full-spectrum cannabis when all of the cannabinoids and terpenes are preserved. At present, about 200 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant. Further research is required to determine the impact and significance of terpenes, but initial studies show promising results.
The “Entourage Effect”
The term “Entourage Effect” refers to an increase in biological activity of cannabinoids when they are absorbed in combination with each other and with other compounds present in the plant e.g., terpenes and flavonoids. Interactions with cannabinoids, which can lead to the overcoming of the brain-blood barrier, as well as the increased binding activity to special
receptors, are discussed in research.
It is thought that the “Entourage Effect” results in optimal effectiveness of the cannabinoids contained in cannabis, even in moderate doses, although further research is ongoing in this area.
Holistic potential and different areas of application
Medical cannabis can contribute to improving the quality of life for seriously ill patients suffering from a range of conditions. Of particular importance are the analgesic, anti-emetic and appetite-increasing potential of cannabis. The pain-relieving effects of cannabis-based drugs have been studied in several randomized, controlled trials. Various studies show positive therapeutic effects of medical cannabis for different indications. These include neuropathic pain , spasms in multiple sclerosisand nausea (e.g. resulting from chemotherapy) as well as loss of appetite.
When should a cannabinoid therapy not be used?
Use of THC-containing drugs during pregnancy and lactation is strongly discouraged. In addition, it is not recommended for patients with severe personality disorders, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses. Likewise, THC can cause an increase or decrease in heart rate depending on the dose.
CBD is – unlike THC – not contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation, however, the potential benefit should be weighed against the risk before starting therapy. Since CBD can temporarily increase liver values, patients with pre-existing conditions should be closely monitored – especially in the phase of dose titration to determine the effective dose. Patients should always consult a medical professional to determine whether treatment with a cannabis-based medicine is appropriate.
Finding new treatment options
Thanks to cannabis, medical and pharmaceutical professionals are finding new treatment applications for patients. Possible areas are predominately in pain therapies, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or chronic neuropathic pain. Other areas include PDST (Post-traumatic stress disorder), epilepsy, anxiety, depression, spasticity associated with Multiple Sclerosis and muscle spasms. Physicians around the world are researching different drug trials across a wide range of indication areas to provide more patients with this new treatment option.
